1974 Lincoln Continental vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,541 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1974 Lincoln Continental. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1974 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 675 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
Because 1974 Lincoln Continental is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1974 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. (355 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1974 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lincoln Continental | 2012 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Lincoln | Chevrolet |
| Model | Continental | Impala |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7541 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2807 mm |
